DERA GHAZIKHAN: The district government has imposed a ban on sale, purchase and unrestricted availability of wheat pills and Kala Pathar (Paraphenylenediamine) in the market.

The action was taken in response to the public concern as well as official letter from the Ghazi Medical College Principal Dr Asif Quraishi about the alarming increase in suicide attempt incidentsby swallowing wheat-preserving pills or drinking of (Paraphenylenediamine), also known as `Kala Pathar.

`Kala Pathar` is a highly toxic ingredient presently used in hairdyeing by rural women.

Dilution of `Kala Pathar` in water is colourless and tasteless and is used in homicide.

Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid exercising his power imposed a ban under section 144 (6) of criminals procedure 1898 (Punjab amendment act 2024) for one month.